1953 Nash-Healey Le Mans Sport 2-Door Roadster
2023.0008.0001, Savoy Collection
Engine: 253 cu. in. (4.1L)
Output: 140 HP @ 4,000 RPM
Transmission: 3-speed Manual with overdrive
Wheelbase: 102 in.
Overall Length: 171 in.
Weight: 2,750 lbs.
Top Speed: 125 MPH
No. Produced: 162
Original Price: $5,909
Manufacturer: Nash Motors, Donald Healey Motor Co., & Pininfarina
While sailing home from Europe on the Queen Elizabeth in 1949, George Mason (president of Nash-Kelvinator) had a chance encounter with Donald Healey (Healey Motor Co.). Mason was looking for an image boost for Nash, and Healey was looking for larger engines. The two men agreed that a partnership with a British-American hybrid sports car would be beneficial for both. A prototype two-seat sports car appeared at the 1950 London and Paris auto shows.
They went into production in 1951 and were produced until 1954. Nash-Healey quickly took up racing, powered by the Le Mans Dual Jetfire Ambassador Six engine that would later be used in domestic vehicles. Pininfarina restyled the roadster in 1952. Nash sent the driveline parts to Healey, which did the rolling chassis and then shipped them to Italy for Pininfarina to install the body and finish the assembly.